Nebraska State Capitol, (Dallas Nau, Central Nebraska Today)
LINCOLN — Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay, chairperson of the Agriculture Committee, announced today that he requested the Speaker of the Legislature extend the public comment period for a Thursday hearing due to four continuing wildfires in western Nebraska, which have burned more than 800,000 acres.
Speaker Arch agreed to the extension given the circumstances to ensure all Nebraskans have an opportunity to weigh in on the issue.
The hearing, on a proposed amendment to DeKay’s LB1187, will take place at 12:00 p.m. in Room 1525 at the State Capitol. Normally, the public may submit online comments through the Legislature’s website until 8:00 a.m. CST on the day of a public hearing.
In light of travel complications and the impact of the fires on area residents, DeKay said, the Legislature is making an exception to that rule and will accept online public comments until 5:00 p.m. CST March 19.
“This will allow those interested in LB1187 to provide input based on the hearing if they are unable to attend in person,” DeKay said.
